Nestle Into Nice

Day 3: High culture hangover

You've tanned on the beach, checked out the topless babes, eaten like a king, and partied up a storm. Nice still has plenty of things to do and places to see. As a hangover may be haunting you, start the day off with a few hours of relaxation. Instead of sleeping in till the afternoon, drag yourself out of bed and stumble to the beach. There's nothing like the blue water and warm sun to cure the ill effects of a night of drinking.

Once you've chilled for a couple of hours, it's time to eat. For a light lunch, head back to the Cours Saleya, where you'll find markets offering all kinds of fresh fruits, meats and desserts. Fix your own little picnic and you'll feel the energy flowing back in no time.

Now that the body's taken care of, it's time to clear your head with a trip to Nice's two famous museums. Both Marc Chagall and Henri Matisse lived in Nice, and the city has honored both with their own museums. The Matisse Museum is located in the affluent Cimiez neighborhood, just north of the city center. Marc Chagall's works are at the Muse National Message Biblique Marc Chagall, only minutes away by taxi or a 20-minute walk south.

To start your wrap-up of this slow, relaxed day, return to the beachfront, where a proper dinner and a night in a pub or lounge in Old Nice is a great way to say goodbye to the French Riviera. Seafood is the way to go, and Le Grand Pavois is a great place to get it. Located on rue Meyerbeer, this spot is famous for its snapper, sea bass and bouillabaisse.

As the night falls, take one last tour through Old Nice. De Klomp and the Hole in the Wall are both lively pubs, but try to score a seat at the Bar des Oiseaux. This place puts on the "Spectacle en Niois," a show played out in local dialects, and is a popular spot to drink. Soak it all in, from the loud locals to the cozy surroundings of Nice's old town.

Perfect for the party lover, beach bum and the cultural-minded, Nice truly is a jewel on the Mediterranean. Days can be spent basking on its pebble beaches and in its warm waters, while evenings can be wasted away at great restaurants and nightclubs. There's no doubt that this nice town definitely does not finish last.

tips for the trip

If you're the sporting kind, bring or rent rollerblades; it's a great way to explore the Promenade des Anglais.

St. Jean-Cap-Ferrat, a neighboring town, is a prime oasis on the Cote d'Azur and certainly worth a visit.

If you didn't rent a car and want to pass on the expense of taxis, a bus route from the airport to the main train station runs on the half-hour. To visit other spots in the city, inquire at the central bus station on square General Leclerc.

When taking the train to Nice from

Paris (as is very common), you may find it easier to pass through Marseilles. The TGV high-speed trains are convenient but sometimes infrequent, so this route saves some time, despite its roundabout way.